Determination

DETERMINATION

By Kijana Nix

Be motivated

Be Inspired

Keep on trying, just don’t give up and think you’re tired.

Be empowered

Stay Strong

Have faith because there is nothing wrong

You may get weary

Pessimism may come your way

But to the doubters you shall say nay

Negativity will throw its punches

Block the blows

Because what you reap is what you sow

Like the bees determined to get that nectar

Be patient and work hard

Have unwavering faith and claim your reward

I decided to write this blog by starting with a poem to get you to feel the spirit of determination, just in case you don’t have a chance to read this blog. I was inspired to write this because I want you to feel like a winner and that you should forget about self-doubt. I never thought that one of my photos would have been selected by a team of experts. During the summer of 2022, I was searching for information about the Quiet Waters Park and came across an announcement for a photo contest. Initially, I had a remote thought of entering knowing that I have photos from 2021 and 2022. I continued to toy with the idea for about 2 weeks, so about three days before the deadline, I decided to give it a try win, lose or otherwise. I started to have a hint of doubt and wondered if I should enter the competition even while I was drafting my email to the organizers. One of the criteria was that the photos submitted should be within the last three years and we were allowed to submit three photos. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to visit the park in 2021 and of course I walked with my DSLR camera! I snapped and snapped and snapped away at any little bit of nature that inspired me. I left the park a happy person especially knowing that I was also acknowledging self-care day. 

Romance in Autumn felt like my favorite, I was ambivalent about submitting Chandelier, but something told me there was something magical about Determination.  I took so many photos when I visited the park in 2021 and 2022 so it was a tedious but enjoyable process of elimination before making the final decision.

I shared my entries with 2 of my closest “cheerleaders” and they were right on the money. They also chose the same photo as the winner even before they were submitted to the judges. I was absolutely elated after receiving this terrific news I felt like I was above cloud 9.  I would like to take this opportunity to let my family and friends who are always encouraging me and giving commendations about my shots know how much I appreciate them. 

I am passionate about capturing the moments that nature has to offer. We can learn so much from the smallest things that appear in front of our eyes as we go about our daily lives.  We can learn patience, love, kindness and of course, determination. It encourages us to see the beauty that surrounds us. The next time you get a chance to connect with nature, have a look at something that piques your interest. The birds, the insects, the leaves, the whole plant and the bright or cloudy open sky, are waiting for us to make that connection. Take a minute to observe your environs and you’d be surprised at the many life lessons you can learn.  We should really appreciate and can communicate with the environment in our own way. The most important thing is for us to be kind to our space.

I was so excited about the selection of my photo that as soon as I had the opportunity, I created a canvas print for myself so I can continue to enjoy this beautiful depiction of nature, every single day as for as long as I can see it. If you’d like a copy, it will be available soon for purchase on nixcpics.com. I have already received my print and I could feel the determination of the bees aiming for that nectar. It is so vibrant, big and bold and I have already brought nature to my wellness space. It may very well be a conversation starter. You never know…